Keystone Ancient Forest To Open New Trail New Year's Day

The first "difficult" rated trail at the Keystone Ancient Forest will be available for hiking New Year's Day - barring wintry weather.

The Wilson trail should be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 1, 2014, according to Grant Gerondale, Parks director for the City of Sand Springs.

"When the weather cooperates, New Year's Day can be the perfect opportunity to get outside, take in some fresh air and enjoy a fun hike with family and friends," Gerondale said.

The new trail compliments the two other trails at the Ancient Forest which are rated easy and moderate.

Learn More About Keystone Ancient Forest

"This new difficult rated trail is two feet wide and demands that hikers scramble up and down rocks, step on and around boulders and generally make you work your way up and down about 300 feet of topographical rise - it's a work out," said Jeff Edwards, Parks facilities manager.

9/15/2013 Related Story: Sand Springs To Hold Trail-Building Workshop In Keystone Ancient Forest

The trail is named after Chris Wilson, a conservationist who lead the campaign to help secure the Keystone Ancient Forest in the 1990s.

The forest is located off Highway 64/412. Exit at 209th West Avenue and go about two miles north to a clearly-marked entrance. No pets are allowed.

Volunteers are needed to work on trails. Call 918-246-2562 to volunteer.